Setting Up Python (Summary)

Python Basics: Setting Up Python David Amos 01:28

Congratulations! You now have Python installed on your computer.

In this course, you learned how to:

Install Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Open IDLE, Python’s integrated development and learning environment

Now that you have Python set up on your machine, you can start building projects and experimenting with your coding environment. If this is your first time using Python, you might want to follow along with Real Python’s guide to Interacting With Python. You’ll find more introductory material in the Introduction to Python Learning Path, one of Real Python’s many Learning Paths.

If you’re working through Python Basics, the Python Basics Book Learning Path will guide you through the exercises, quizzes, and other bonus resources in the book. If you’re not familiar with Python Basics, feel free to check out our book Python Basics: A Practical Introduction to Python 3.

If you’re just looking for the next steps to further set up your coding environment or to get to know IDLE better, you can take a look at these resources:

Best of luck on your Python journey!

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Congratulations, you made it to the end of the course! What’s your #1 takeaway or favorite thing you learned? How are you going to put your newfound skills to use? Leave a comment in the discussion section and let us know.

00:00 Congratulations! You now have Python installed on your computer. Let’s do a quick recap of everything you learned in this video course.

00:09 In this course, you learned where to download Python on Windows and macOS, how to install Python using the official installers on Windows and macOS or the apt package manager on Ubuntu Linux.

00:23 You also learned how to open IDLE, Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment.

00:30 So, where do you go from here? Well, you’re ready to start coding in Python, so you can check out all of the beginner content Real Python has to offer. You’ll find some links to great articles and video courses to read or watch next in this video’s description, including links to other Python Basics video courses. In future Python Basics video courses, you’ll use IDLE to interact with Python and write and run Python programs, but IDLE isn’t your only option. You might want to look into setting up a different editor. To help you with that, Real Python has a written IDE and code editor guide as well as a video course designed to help you find the perfect Python code editor.

01:10 I want to wish you all the best on your Python journey. I’d also love to know what you thought of this course and how your journey’s going, so let me know by leaving a comment in this video’s comments and discussion section. Thanks so much for watching.

01:24 I’ll see you around Real Python!

Ian Christy on June 8, 2021

Well done, one nit, it might have been nice, just for completeness, in the ubuntu section, include an example using python3-pip to install a library.

David Amos on June 10, 2021

Hi Ian! Thanks for watching. Installing libraries with pip will be covered in a future course in the Python Basics series!

Leo on Sept. 29, 2021

Simple and easy. I am working on an OSX 10.11.6 and first installation failed. As I am thinking of getting an iMac with the M1 chip, I looked into issues and installation, and found there is the python 3.9.1-macos11.0.pkg Universal2 installer for versions 10.9 upwards. That’s when it worked. In opening IDLE, I added a comment on the MacOS installation video. Basically, place IDLE on the dock.

UT on Dec. 9, 2021

I loved the simplicity with which you guided us across the isntallation. Whilst I already had IDEs setup on my Windows machine, I wanted to understand the concept of path which you explained precisely how I would like it. Thanks a ton David :)

Yuvaraj0807 on Dec. 16, 2022

Useful information. learning the path info and how to proper install in ubuntu

Khalid Ismail on June 10, 2023

Installation guide is very useful and gives an idea to explore python in coming chapters. Explained all in very easy steps.

solomon502 on Oct. 7, 2023

Very concise, practical and informative installation guide and instructions.

Martin Breuss RP Team on Oct. 9, 2023

Glad to hear that this guide is proving useful :)

Kirk Forsythe on Oct. 30, 2023

I have tried courses on Udemy, Cousera, LinkedIn and even YouTube. The resouces and videos always answer any questions I have, providing a fundemental understanding of the material. Well done! I have finally found my all encompassing Python resource! No more time wasting internet searches for information. Instructional video developers could learn a lot from revieiwing your teaching methods and content.

tracyelliott79 on Feb. 10, 2024

Good guide, very useful on how to install Python on your OS.

Robynlee McCandless on Feb. 25, 2024

Thank you. Very helpful for beginners with step by step point to install Python on my macOS.

thedavid2 on April 1, 2024

Excellent guide, concise and helpful

derekd64 on July 4, 2024

Thanks for the video…I opted to start up as beginner because in the past I attempted and stopped attempted and stopped etc....I think you get my point…so with that said while reviewing I watched the set up for windows as I already had a python version installed ,… 3.11.9 version, so when I attempted to clip the IDLE under the apps I did not get 3 prompts on my IDLE just a blank white space…albeit on command prompt (probablly running on power shell) ....not sure then the difference running python on power s…hell command line …as it does not appear that IDLE may be working as I do not get the >>> prompts....so what is the difference if I run it from IDLE or directly from my black screen (default) with power shell opening python 3.11.9 ?
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Martin Breuss RP Team on July 5, 2024

@derekd64 I’m not sure I correctly understood you, but it sounds like you may have some troubles entering the Python REPL?

Take a look at our courses on related topics, maybe you’ll find your solution there:

Hope these help, and congrats for jumping back into it! :)

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